[🇧🇩-Navy] Bangladesh Navy news/views

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Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk6jgjpXwzI

Hanif Sanket makes a video on Bangladesh Navy and its Capability.

 

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Since our indigenous frigate program has been delayed, we should buy a few Type-23 Duke class frigate from Royal navy as a stop gap measure.

 

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A good overview of Bangladesh Navy.

 

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A good overview of Bangladesh Navy.

 

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Royal Navy OPV visits Chittagong

 

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A little old but good read.

Bangladesh to buy 5 naval ships from UK

Bangladesh will buy five naval ships from the UK to modernise the armed forces as part of the Forces Goal 2030 as the country aspires to become a developed nation by 2041.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh to buy 5 naval ships from UK​

Says foreign minister

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. Reuters file photo

Bangladesh will buy five naval ships from the UK to modernise the armed forces as part of the Forces Goal 2030 as the country aspires to become a developed nation by 2041.

"We have decided in principle to buy five naval ships. The objectives of this purchase is to monitor and protect our huge sea frontiers from others who enter our territories for fishing or other purposes,"

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told this correspondent from London yesterday.

The issue was discussed at a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her UK counterpart Boris Johnson on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow on Wednesday.
The British premier proposed selling other defence equipment, including aircraft, said Momen.

"The negotiation went on for a long time. This time, we agreed in principle to buy five naval ships. Three of those will be imported from the UK and the two others will be built in our dockyard in Chattogram."

The minister said the final deal on the procurement is yet to be signed. "Our Ministry of Defence will be working on it. We will surely buy the ships at a competitive price."

The development comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is drawing more global attention.

There is already the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the QUAD, a strategic dialogue between the United States, India, Japan and Australia, which analysts say is aimed at countering China.

Moreover, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced on September 15 a security pact called AUKUS for the Indo-Pacific region. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Momen said Bangladesh and the UK have a solid relationship which is growing day by day -- be it in the areas of development, trade and politics.

Earlier on October 14, Type 23 frigate HMS Kent of the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment (CSG21) sailed to the naval base in Chattogram marking the celebration of Bangladesh's Golden Jubilee of independence and highlighting the historic bilateral defence connections and people-to-people relationship between the UK and Bangladesh.

HMS Kent engaged in a series of events with the Bangladesh Navy and the local administration in Chattogram to maximise bilateral relations benefitting both countries' military, trade, and political alliances.

"This year, with the spirit of Brit Bangla Bondhon, the UK is demonstrating the depth and significance of UK-Bangla ties through its commitment to engage more with Bangladesh as a partner of sustainable peace and growth," the UK High Commission in Dhaka said in a statement on October 18.

British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson said the welcoming of the frigate builds on a long history of defence cooperation that the UK is extremely proud of.

"We are committed to deepening our cooperation as a key part of the enduring relationship between our two countries."

According to the statement, a significant number of Bangladesh Navy personnel have trained alongside the Royal Navy in the UK, including at the Royal College of Defence Studies.​

 

[Saif]

The Bangladesh Navy – An Available, Adaptive and Affordable Force - European Security & Defence

The Bangladesh Navy has witnessed phenomenal growth in past three decades. It is evolving into a truly three-dimensional navy capable of maintaining an effective posture across the full spectrum of any conflict at sea. Notwithstanding the fact that the Navy has already made significant...

euro-sd.com

The Bangladesh Navy – An Available, Adaptive and Affordable Force​

10. March 20
The Bangladesh Navy has witnessed phenomenal growth in past three decades. It is evolving into a truly three-dimensional navy capable of maintaining an effective posture across the full spectrum of any conflict at sea. Notwithstanding the fact that the Navy has already made significant investments, there is still a need for new equipment as the Navy faces major challenges as many of its ageing units are in urgent need of replacement. ESD had the opportunity to talk to Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Commander Khulna Naval Area (COMKHUL).

When Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan on 26 March 1971, the navy consisted of only two armed river patrol boats. Today, its inventory stands at more than 100 ships and craft and some 22,000 personnel. Bangladesh has a 710 km coastline along the Bay of Bengal with the principal ports of Chittagong and Mongla and, having settled its maritime boundaries with Myanmar in 2012, and India in 2014 via international arbitration, a sovereign claim over an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 118,813 km2. Bangladesh also has one of the largest inland water transport networks in the world, covering a total length of some 24,000 km with river ports at Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Bhairab, Barisal, Chittagong, and Khulna and minor 21 inland river ports. The Navy Establishments and assets are spread over three regions: the Dhaka Naval Area, the Chittagong Naval Area, and the Khulna Naval Area. The Naval Headquarters are located in the country’s capital Dhaka and includes the establishments BNS Haji Mohsin, BNS Sheikh Mujib, and the Naval Unit Pagla. The main naval bases are located in Chittagong, 250km south east from Dhaka, and Khulna 270 km south west of Dhaka, and Kaptai 60 km east of Chittagong. A new base, BNS Sher-e-Bangla, is under construction in Patuakhali in southwestern sector of Bangladesh. It will become the navy’s largest naval base with ship berthing and aviation facilities. A separate submarine base, BNS Sheikh Hasina, is also under construction near Kutubdia Island. The navy’s training establishments are the Bangladesh Naval Academy, BNS Issa Khan in Chittagong; the New Entry Training School, and the School of Logistics and Management in Khulna located in BNS Titumir, and BNS Shaheed Moazzam at Kaptai, in the Rangamati Hill District.​

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Photo: Guy Toremans

ESD: Admiral Musa, I had the honor to meet you at the 12th Regional Seapower Symposium in Venice. What is the value of the RSS for the Bangladesh Navy?

Admiral Musa: Nowadays, as transnational maritime challenges are becoming more diverse, complex, unpredictable, and intertwined, cooperation between navies is imperative. So we need the integrated approach to ensure our maritime security. The 12th Regional Seapower Symposium brings together allies and partners who desire to strengthen international security and stability. This symposium is an excellent platform for an open and constructive exchange of ideas and generates maritime awareness, and highlight the need for a shared approach to ensure peace and prosperity.

ESD: As the Commander Khulna Naval Area can you provide some details about your command?

Admiral Musa: As Commander Khulna Naval Area, I deal with all maritime activities of Bangladesh’s south and south-western region, and assure the security of the country’s two major sea ports Mongla and Payra. The Khulna Naval Area is the navy’s western naval command, headquartered in BNS Titumir in the city of Khulna. BNS Titumir, one of our navy’s largest bases, is home port to numerous naval units and houses several naval establishments such as the School of Logistics and Management, and the New Entry Training School [a boot camp for new recruits]. We are also responsible for the administrative and logistic support to all our navy ships, the Khulna Shipyard and the Mongla and Payra Port authorities.

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BNS SAMUDRA JOY, the former US Coast Guard cutter USCGC JARVIS, transferred on 23 May 2013 (Photo: Guy Toremans)

ESD: Looking at the Bangladesh Navy in general, what are its tasks and missions?

Admiral Musa: The Bangladesh Navy (BN) plays a central role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and interests in the maritime domain. Our primary tasks are to patrol the territorial waters, ensure our rights over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf; keep the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOC) and our ports open; protect the fishing fleet; conduct Maritime SAR-operations; carry out oceanographic surveys; provide disaster management and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HA/DR) in the event of natural disasters (floods, cyclones, tidal waves, earthquakes), and any other task for which the government may deem it necessary to deploy the navy. The increased use of the maritime domain for illegal fishing, smuggling illegal drugs and other illicit traffic, considerably augmented our commitments.

And with the settlement of maritime boundary delimitations with our neighbours [India and Myanmar], and the introduction by our government of the ‘Blue Economy’ Programme, our tasks increased even further. This ‘Blue Economy’ initiative aims at turning the Bay of Bengal into a hub of economic development and to effectively utilise the marine resources through the conservation and efficient use of the resources of the sea. Obviously, this implicates the reliance on the navy to lead many of these national maritime issues in order to protect our maritime interests and coordinate the Blue Economy Activities.

ESD: The national and the international environment are characterised by the increase of asymmetric threats at sea. Does your navy has sufficient assets to comply to all its commitments?

Admiral Musa: In the past decade, the Bangladesh Navy has mustered adequate assets to carry out its mandated tasks and we are working to improve our capabilities even further. Our Government is very supportive to develop a credible fleet, with robust and dynamic support structures, as well as a skilled and motivated workforce. Its “Forces Goals 2030 Initiative”, introduced in 2011 and being revised periodically, represents a major qualitative and quantitative improvement of our capabilities, turning the Bangladesh Navy into a credible three-dimensional force.
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BNS SHADINHOTA, the leadship of the four newly-built SHADINHOTE class (Type C 13B) corvettes (Photo: Guy Toremans)

ESD: Can you give us a rundown on your navy’s procurement programmes? What projects are being carried out and which are in the planning stage?

Admiral Musa: In the past decade, we acquired two ex-Chinese JIANGHU III class frigates (BNS ABU BAKR and BNS ALI HAIDER in 2014); and the two JIANGWEI II class frigates (BNS OMAR FAROOQ and BNS ABU UBAIDAH) in January 2020; four newly-built SHADINHOTE class corvettes (BNS SHADINHOTA and BNS PROTTOY in 2016, and BNS SHANGRAM and BNS PROTTASAHA in 2019), two Chinese MING class diesel electric submarines (BNS NABAJKATRA and BNS JOYATRA) submarines, two helicopters from Italy (Agusta Westland 109E ‘POWER’) in 2011, four LCU type landing craft in 2015 and two maritime patrol aircraft from Germany (Dornier 228NG) in 2013. At the same time, we are also developing a sustainable local shipbuilding capability. Our shipbuilding infrastructure is being upgraded in order to build up to frigate-sized vessels and carry out the maintenance of all our units in-country. On order are a second batch of five PADMA class patrol vessels, and two more MPAs from Germany. On the longer term, we are looking into the replacement of our BNS OSMAN (ex-Chinese JIANGU II class) frigate and the six ex-RN ISLAND class offshore patrol vessels, as well as into the procurement of new mine countermeasure vessels, logistic ships, and additional helicopters and MPAs.

ESD: Drones are a major game-changer in maritime surveillance. Do you plan to acquire drones?

Admiral Musa: Indeed. The Bangladesh Navy Centre for Research & Development has already produced indigenously built drone for targeting practices, and is also working on research to manufacture drones and UAVs to carry out surveillance and monitor coastal and offshore activities.

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One of the navy’s two Agusta Westland AW 109F helicopters (Photo: Bangladesh Navy)

ESD: Partnerships and international co-operation became a necessity. How would you assess the level of interaction and cooperation with other navies?

Admiral Musa: The motto of our foreign policy is “Friendship to all, malice to none”. The BN is a trusted regional partner and maintains strong relationships with many navies in the region and beyond, in order to effectively counter common threats at sea. We undertake a wide range of cooperative initiatives, such as bilateral and multilateral exercises at sea, joint training and capability building programmes. And we are engaged in various initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, and the Regional Seapower Symposium. Some of our officers and sailors undergo training in Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, the UK, and the US. Likewise, personnel from India, the Maldives, Qatar, and Sri Lanka receive training at Bangladesh Navy Training Establishments. We do regularly deploy assets ‘out-of-area’, i.e. our ships have been operating in Multinational Task Force in UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) in the Mediterranean Sea since 2010. And we also support international HA/DR operations, such as in the Maldives in 2014, the Philippines in 2013 and in Colombo after cyclone “Roanu”.
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The ex-Chines MING class submarine Nr. 356, renamed BNS NABJATRA (Photos: Bangladesh Navy)The ex-Chines MING class submarine Nr. 356, renamed BNS NABJATRA (Photos: Bangladesh Navy)

ESD: What do you think is needed for an effective approach to counter the arising threats and challenges?

Admiral Musa: Today, maritime threats have become widely diversified. We need to share information and help each other by identifying and combatting these threats, not only to ensure safety and security at sea, but also to reduce any misperceptions of a situation in order to avoid an escalation. It helps to develop a right perception on the threat and the measures to be taken by both maritime agencies on either side A good example is the introduction of the coordinated patrols(CORPAT) in June 2018, with our frigate BNS ABU BAKR and the offshore patrol vessel BNS DHALESHWARI, and the Indian Navy deploying the SHIVALIK class frigate INS SATPURA and the KAMORTA class corvette INS KADMATT. For the second edition, in October 2019, we took part with our frigate BNS ALI HAIDER, the corvette BNS SHADINOTA and a SWAD Team; the Indian Navy with the destroyer INS RANVIJAY, and the corvette INS KUTHAR.

These of CORPAT-patrols represent a significant improvement in countering transnational maritime threats and in our in naval relations


ESD: Which role does your navy play in the war on terror and counter-piracy operations?

Admiral Musa: We seek to shape a favourable and positive maritime environment towards preserving peace, promoting stability, and maintaining security. Our contribution in the war on terror and the counter-piracy operations has been appreciated for many years now. Together with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, we continuously patrol the northern Bay of Bengal and have succeeded in drastically reducing piracy, armed robbery and petty theft. And we are a proud member of elite maritime task force of the UN. We have been participating in UN missions since 1993, such as the UNIKOM post-Gulf War I in 1997 to patrol in the waters of the Iraq-Kuwaiti border, the Force Riverine Unit in UN Mission UNMISS in Sudan in 2005 until 2012, a Boat Detachment in Ivory Coast, and operated for 11 years off Abidjan between 2005 and 2016, and, since 2010, in the UN Maritime Task Force in Lebanon UNIFIL.

ESD: Cyber defence is becoming a priority in all military domains, not least for navies. What are the major cyber threats for the BN?

Admiral Musa: The Government takes the cyber threat very seriously and launched a comprehensive effort to strengthen our cyber defence. Otherwise, cyber-attacks will increasingly become harder to detect and even more difficult to counter. As we are becoming increasingly dependent on connectivity and digitalisation, the vulnerability of the ships and their systems will increase. Therefore, we need new capabilities, more surveillance and an integration of both national and international resources. We are improving our cyber situational awareness and working to acquire necessary expertise and capabilities.
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BNS SAMUDRA JOY, the former US Coast Guard cutter USCGC JARVIS, in the Chittagong Dry Dock (CDD) (Photo: Bangladesh Navy)

ESD: People are the key element in naval forces. Many navies in the world are facing retention problems. Is this problem affecting your navy and what challenges does your navy face when recruiting and retaining people?

Admiral Musa: Today the people of Bangladesh have a greater expectation about quality of life to be rendered to them. Consequently, we are taking the necessary steps to improve our quality of life, work, and leadership. Job satisfaction leads to better productivity, retention and efficient performance. The navy provides education, professional training, post-retirement job opportunities, and family support in case of injury or loss of life during service. Our welfare schemes are comparable to those in the private and civil sector.

ESD: What will be the greatest challenges the BN will have to face in coming years?

Admiral Musa: The maritime domain is central to our security and prosperity, so it’s essential that we prepare for a wide range of contingencies. The modernisation and enhancement of the Navy’s capabilities is an on-going process to meet emerging maritime challenges and threats. Like most of the world’s navies, we face a wide array of challenges. Work is ongoing in how we can overcome these through acquiring state of the art platforms, development information technology and digital transformation, indigenous development and self-reliance, enhance surveillance and cyber security, utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI), and recruiting and training skilled human resources.

ESD: What is the way ahead for the Bangladesh Navy?

Admiral Musa: The Bangladesh Navy is well on course to become a credible three-dimensional force. As aforementioned, the introduction of a series of new platforms with much greater endurance and capability will allow us to increase our capabilities on, below and above the surface. Mod-ernisation, efficient manning, and self-reliance will remain the key driving factors for our innovation process. I dare say that we are becoming a credible and self-sustained maritime force, well-suited to meet today’s and tomorrow’s national and regional needs. We are an ‘Available, Adaptive and Affordable force’, always ready to meet the aspirations of our nation​

 

[Saif]

The Transformation of Bangladesh Navy(1971-2022)​

 

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Is our navy unable to protect Bangladeshi merchant ships in the Indian Ocean?

Bangladeshi ship hijacked by Somalian pirates on Indian Ocean

All crew members on board; pirates have taken control of vessel, says company that owns the ship

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi ship hijacked by Somalian pirates on Indian Ocean​

All crew members on board; pirates have taken control of vessel, says ship-owning company

A Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel, MV Abdullah, was hijacked in the Indian Ocean by a group of Somalian pirates around noon today, and all crew members of the vessel are being held hostage on board, officials said.

MV Abdullah was heading for Al Hamriyah Port of UAE carrying cargo coal from Mozambique's Maputo port when the pirates attack.

According to sources, the vessel has 23 crew members and belongs to Bangladeshi organisation SR Shipping Lines, a sister concern of Chattogram-based Kabir Steel and Rerolling Mill (KSRM) Group.

Confirming the news, KSRM's media adviser Mizanul Islam told The Daily Star, "We came to know that the vessel was under attack by pirates in the Indian Ocean. Twenty-three crew members are reportedly in a safe space inside the vessel's cabins while the pirates have taken control of the ship."

"We are trying to establish communication with them," he added.

Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association, told The Daily Star, "We received a WhatsApp message from a hostage that pirates took over the vessel and they were locked inside the cabins. The pirates have heavy arms and ammunition."

"The crew have sought support and help from us. We are trying to talk to government high-ups," he added. KSRM group has a total of 23 vessels operating on different international routes. MV Abdullah, earlier known as Golden Hawk, was bought by KSRM group last year.

Of the 23 crew members, 11 are from Chattogram.

The crew members are: Captain Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Chief Officer Mohammed Atikullah Khan, 2nd Officer Mazharul Islam Chowdhury, 3rd Officer Md Tarequl Islam, Deck Cadet Md Sabbir Hossain, Chief Engineer ASM Saiduzzaman, 2nd Engineer Md Toufiqul Islam, 3rd Engineer Md Rokan Uddin, 4th Engineer Tanveer Ahmad, Engine Cadet Ayub Khan, Electrician Ibrahim Khalil Ullah, AB Md Anwarul Haque, AB Md Asifur Rahman, AB Sazzad Hossain, OS Joy Mahmud, OS Md Najmul Haque, OS Ainul Haque, Oiler Mohammed Shamsuddin, Oiler Md Ali Hossain, Fireman Mosharaf Hosasin Sakil, Chief Cook Md Shafiqul Islam, GS Md Noor Uddin, and Fitter Md Saleh Ahmed.

On December 5, 2010, another vessel, MV Jahan Moni of the then Brave Royal Shipping Line, the sister concern of SR Shipping, was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India.
Twenty-five crew members and the wife of chief officer were held captive by the pirates and rescued after nearly 100 days.​

 

[Saif]

 

[Saif]

We need a powerful Ocean going navy to protect our merchant ships from sea pirates in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Hijacked Bangladeshi ship: Pirates demand $5 million as ransom

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Hijacked Bangladeshi ship: Pirates demand $5 million as ransom
14 Mar 2024, 12:00 am

Special Correspondent :

The government of Bangladesh has reported that the 23 crews of MV Abdullah, currently held hostage by Somali pirates, are safe, and concerted efforts are underway to secure their release.

Negotiations are actively taking place between relevant departments and the pirates, reminiscent of the successful liberation of Bangladeshi crews from Somali captivity back in 2010.

According to sources within the Foreign Ministry and Shipping Ministry, the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ship still within its surveillance radar as the pirates gradually steer it towards Somalia.

Despite the gravity of the situation, some crew members have managed to establish contact with their families, urging them to facilitate their rescue from the clutches of the pirates, who are reportedly demanding a ransom of around $5 million.

“We have initiated communication with the pirates through intermediaries.

There are various agencies experienced in negotiating with Somali pirates, including those who were involved in the successful rescue mission in 2010,” disclosed a senior official from the Department of Shipping (DoS), speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some family members of the abducted crew have taken the initiative to reach out to the owner of the ship, the KSRM Group in Chattogram, hoping to contribute to the efforts for their release.

Among the 23 crew members, 11 hail from Chattogram alone, two are from Noakhali, and one each from Natore, Naogaon, Feni, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Barishal, Netrakona, Sirajganj, Tangail, and Khulna.

As of now, the government of Bangladesh has not disclosed any details regarding the ransom demanded by the pirates.

Khalid Mahmud, the State Minister for Shipping, assured reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday that intensive efforts are underway to secure the release of the MV Abdullah’s crew.

However, Mahmud acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that the captors are not ordinary individuals but pirates.

He highlighted that certain organisations are equipped to negotiate with the pirates and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the swift and safe return of both the crew and the vessel.

Regarding the location of the ship, Mahmud mentioned that it is currently positioned approximately 600 nautical miles off the Somali coast. While the exact identity of the pirates remains unknown, he indicated that they are likely from the region.

Mahmud reiterated the government’s unwavering determination to repatriate the crew without compromising their safety.

Despite concerns about potential threats to the crew’s lives, Mahmud stated that there has been no official indication of such risks, emphasising the government’s priority to bring the crew back home unharmed.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued directives to the Foreign Ministry and other relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the crew members of the hijacked ship.

The vessel, owned by SR Shipping, a company under the KSRM Group based in Chattogram, fell prey to Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean while en route from Mozambique to Dubai. All 23 crew members aboard the ship are Bangladeshi nationals.

Shahriar Jahan Rahat, Deputy Managing Director of KSRM Group, assured the media that the company is prioritizing the rescue efforts for the 23 crew members. The crew roster includes Captain Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Chief Officer Mohammad Atikullah Khan, Second Officer Mazharul Islam Chowdhury, Third Officer Tarequl Islam, Deck Cadet Sabbir Hossain, Chief Engineer ASM Saiduzzaman, Second Officer Toufiqul Islam, Third Engineer Rokon Uddin, Fourth Engineer Tanvir Ahmed, Engine Cadet Ayub Khan, electrician Ibrahim Khalil, seaman Md Anwarul Haque, seaman Md Asifur Rahman, seaman Sazzad Hossain, seaman Joy Mahmud, seaman Nazmul Haque, seaman Ainul Haque, oiler Mohammad Shamsuddin, Ali Hossain, fireman Mosharraf Hossain Shakil, chief cook Shafiqul Islam, general steward Nur Uddin, and fitter Saleh Ahmed.

Notably, KSRM Group owns a fleet of 23 ships, all engaged in international routes. In a similar incident in 2010, one of their vessels, ‘MV Zahan Moni,’ was hijacked by Somali pirates but later released after a ransom was provided.​

 

[Saif]

Brand new patrol craft for Bangladesh Navy. Most probably, gift from Japan.

 

[Saif]

I have been saying this for many years that Bangladesh needs to become a major maritime power to protect her economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Our navy must have an extended reach to deal with any maritime threat arising from state and non-state entities in international waters.

Taking stock of Bangladesh’s maritime vulnerabilities

The primary focus of the government and related organisations should be on safely returning the crew members of MV Abdullah to their families.

www.thedailystar.net

Taking stock of Bangladesh’s maritime vulnerabilities​

ILLUSTRATION: BIPLOB CHAKROBORTY

The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV Abdullah, owned by Chattogram-based SR Shipping, a subsidiary of KSRM Group, was en route from Maputo, Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, carrying a cargo of 55,000 tonnes of coal. On March 12, at approximately 1:30 pm Bangladesh time, the vessel came under an attack by Somali pirates in the waters of the Indian Ocean. There were 23 Bangladeshi crew members on board at the time of the attack.

Maritime piracy presents significant challenges to Bangladesh, particularly in light of recent developments, such as the tensions caused by Houthi rebels of Yemen in the Red Sea. The incident of piracy off the coast of Somalia has added a new dimension to it. It is important to note that the threat of maritime piracy is not something new for Bangladesh. A similar incident occurred in 2010 when the Somali pirates hijacked a merchant ship. For Bangladesh, maritime security represents both a traditional and non-traditional security threat. As a coastal country, Bangladesh is heavily reliant on its water bodies, and thus a threat to its maritime security is a direct threat posed towards the country. At the same time, modern piracy has evolved into a more complex and organised form, exacerbating its threat to the country's security and economic stability.

As a maritime nation and an export-dependent economy, Bangladesh relies heavily on its maritime resources for trade, transportation, and economic growth. Ensuring maritime security is thus a basic requirement for safeguarding its territorial integrity and promoting sustainable development. The rise of modern piracy further underscores the urgency for the country to prioritise maritime power. Strengthening naval capabilities, enhancing surveillance systems, and fostering regional cooperation are crucial steps in countering this evolving threat. Additionally, integrating maritime security into broader national security frameworks is essential for addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges effectively.

Besides, Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on maritime exports, with nearly 94 percent of its foreign trade conducted through sea routes. This reliance highlights the critical importance of the maritime sector, including essential industries like RMG, jute products, and marine resources, which are vital to the country's GDP. With the foreign ministry pushing for a sustainable Blue Economy approach, it is clear that maritime exports are not just part of Bangladesh's economy—they are its cornerstone.

The hijacking incident brings to light a crucial aspect of Bangladesh's dependence on the sea: the absolute need to prioritise global maritime security. Incidents such as these pose a direct threat to the country's economic lifeline by increasing the cost and risk of maritime trade, thereby inducing global market fluctuations as well as contributing to the volatility of export revenues. Heavy reliance on a narrow range of exports—such as RMG—can exacerbate the impact of external shocks, such as economic downturns or geopolitical tensions, potentially destabilising the economy.

An important thing to remember is that despite Bangladesh's rich maritime heritage, its approach to maritime security remains relatively underexplored. Though the people of Bengal have a rich history as seafarers, boat-makers, traders, and shipbuilders, this legacy has not transformed into comprehensive strategic planning or policymaking. There is a notable absence of specialised studies solely dedicated to maritime security. There is also a need to fashion a proper maritime identity.

Capacity-building stands as a critical prerequisite for effectively addressing maritime security challenges. Bangladesh should prioritise efforts in this direction, focusing on empowering both governments and coastal communities to effectively govern and sustainably utilise the maritime domain. This comprehensive approach involves institutional reform, governance enhancement, procedural improvements, and management reforms across various policy sectors. Given the scarcity of indigenous expertise, Bangladesh can engage in partnerships with foreign countries and pursue maritime diplomacy to effectively address its security needs.

We have to assume that such incidents will continue to take place in the high seas. Therefore, our incident management system needs to be comprehensive. There needs to be seamless coordination among different ministries and agencies to deal with such incidents. Greater cooperation between the private sector and the government in addressing maritime security needs is highly important as well.

Right now, the primary focus of the government and related organisations should be on safely returning the crew members of MV Abdullah to their families and resolving the situation promptly. By taking proactive steps to address security challenges, Bangladesh can protect its maritime interests and promote a stable and prosperous future for its people.​

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Shafqat Munir is senior research fellow at Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS).​

 

[Saif]

Why on earth do we need Indian navy's help to free Bangladeshi hostages from Somali pirates? What is Bangladesh navy doing to free the hostages from Somali pirates? In my humble opinion, Bangladesh govt. should allocate money to navy to procure Ocean going frigates and long range maritime patrol aircrafts so that if in future hostage situation arises Bangladesh navy can take action unilaterally to help Bangladeshi sailors.

Pirates move hijacked Bangladeshi ship from last known location: owners

The pirates who hijacked the Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean shifted it this afternoon from its last known location near the Somalian coast

www.thedailystar.net

Pirates move hijacked Bangladeshi ship from last known location: owners​

The pirates who hijacked the Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean shifted it this afternoon from its last known location near the Somalian coast.

After it was hijacked by pirates suspected to be Somalians around noon (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday, the ship at first anchored around 20 nautical miles off Somalia's Garacad port on Thursday morning.​

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The ship's latest position was tracked as being anchored around 7 nautical miles off the Somalian port at 7:48pm on Thursday.

Officials of the ship's owning firm KSRM Group confirmed that they got information of the ship's movement today.

Mizanul Islam, media adviser of KSRM, said they got information from a trusted source around 3:30pm that the anchor of the ship was pulled out and that it started moving.

He said the pirates may have considered the zone not secure enough and was trying to shift it to another location.

He however could not say where the ship was headed.

The Indian Navy said an Indian warship and a long-range maritime patrol aircraft were stationed in the vicinity to assist the hostage Bangladeshi ship.

The European Union on Thursday said an EU ship had been deployed to monitor the MV Abdullah.

The pirates have not made any contact with the ship owner or any third party till this evening.

KSRM official Mizanul, however, said they have taken all necessary preparations to act as soon as the pirates make contact.​

 

[Saif]

Reports on Indian Navy’s effort to rescue hijacked BD ship not true: FM

Reports published in some media, which said that the Indian Navy attacked Somali pirates to rescue the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, are not true at all, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told newsmen on Sunday. He said that the government is trying its best to free the hijacked ship and its crew f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reports on Indian Navy’s effort to rescue hijacked BD ship not true: FM​

FE ONLINE REPORT

Published :​

Mar 17, 2024 19:49

Updated :​

Mar 17, 2024 21:56

Reports published in some media, which said that the Indian Navy attacked Somali pirates to rescue the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, are not true at all, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told newsmen on Sunday.

He said that the government is trying its best to free the hijacked ship and its crew from the captivity of pirates.

However, he mentioned that too much media coverage on the hijacking of the ship would help the pirates take a hard line.

The pirates may monitor the coverage of this incident, and if they find that the issue is being given huge priority in the media, they may take a tougher position during the negotiation, the minister pointed out.

Urging reporters to be cautious in reporting on this issue, he said some reports said that a sailor of the ship contacted his family through a phone, hidden somewhere in the ship.

“One should understand that such a report may bring dangerous consequences for the crew members,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the foreign ministry told the FE that the ship, which was anchored near Somalian coast, changed its previous position as the pirates took the ship to another hijacked ship, which needs fuel.

He said that usually the pirates provide food to the hostages, so concerns over food stock is unnecessary.

The representatives of the London-based insurance company, which insured the ship, are now in Bangladesh to make assessments.

The pirates are yet to make any contact with Bangladesh authorities until Sunday, officials said.​

 

[Saif]

Let me reiterate, our navy must have the wherewithal to protect our cargo vessels from sea pirates anywhere in the world. We need to invest more money in procuring frigates with large displacements so that they can conduct rescue operations far off from our coast.

Foreign navies prepare raid; ship-owning firm opposes move

Somali police and international navies were preparing today to raid a Bangladeshi-flagged commercial ship that was hijacked by pirates last week, the Puntland region's police force said.

www.thedailystar.net

Hijacked MV Abdullah​

Foreign navies prepare raid; ship-owning firm opposes move​

Photo: Collected

Somali police and international navies were preparing to raid Bangladeshi-flagged commercial ship MV Abdullah that was hijacked by pirates last week, Reuters reported yesterday citing comments of Somali police.

The ship, with 23 crew members on board, was hijacked off the coast of Somalia last week, the latest of more than 20 attacks since November by Somali pirates who had been dormant for nearly a decade.

On Saturday, the Indian navy rescued another cargo vessel, the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, which had been seized in December, freeing its 17 crew members and arresting 35 pirates.

The police force from the semi-autonomous region of Somalia's Puntland, a base for many pirate gangs, said it was on high alert and prepared to participate in an operation against the pirates holding the Abdullah, reports Reuters.

"Puntland police forces are ready after they got reports that international navies are planning an attack," the police said in a statement.

India's navy, which has disrupted several other attempted hijackings, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Sunday, the Puntland police said they had seized a vehicle that was transporting narcotics to be supplied to the pirates on board Abdullah.

Meanwhile, a senior official of KSRM, the parent organisation of SR Shipping that owns MV Abdullah, expressed strong opposition against any such forceful intervention.

"The company does not support military action that might endanger the lives of our crew," a senior official of KSRM, the parent organisation of SR Shipping, he told The Daily Star yesterday.

He claimed that the Bangladesh government has strongly requested respective navies not to go for any forceful intervention.

We want to resolve the crisis through negotiation, he added.

On March 12, the pirates attacked MV Abdullah around 1:30pm (Bangladesh time), when it was around 500 nautical miles off the Somali coast, sailing from Maputo in Mozambique to Al Hamriyah in the UAE with 58,000 tonnes of coal.

After reaching near the Somali coast on March 14, the pirates changed the ship's location twice and now anchored the ship around 4 nautical miles off Somalia's Gadabjiran coast, sources said.

However, the pirates were yet to contact the ship's owning firm or any third party for ransom as of yesterday.

Shipping and security experts have said it is not unusual as the pirates may take time to fix the ransom amount and assess the situation.

Two reliable sources told The Daily Star that soon after the hijacking, the ship's UK-based insurer P&I (protection and indemnity) Club engaged a global crisis management firm called Crisis 24 to analyse the situation and chalk out the necessary plans.

On March 16, a senior official of KSRM said pirates made first contact after over two weeks during the hijack of the firm's other ship MV Jahan Moni in 2010.

In December 2010, KSRM's MV Jahan Moni was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea. Twenty-five crew members and the wife of the chief officer were rescued nearly 100 days after they were held hostage.

At the peak of their attacks in 2011, Somali pirates cost the global economy an estimated $7 billion, including hundreds of millions of dollars in ransom payments.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Navy, AIUB sign MoU for academic, professional collaboration

Bangladesh Navy and American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance opportunities for education, research, and development, according to a press release. The five-year agreement, signed on June 25, 2024, at Naval Headquarters, is align

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh Navy, AIUB sign MoU for academic, professional collaboration
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jul 08, 2024 14:49
Updated :
Jul 08, 2024 14:49

Bangladesh Navy and American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance opportunities for education, research, and development, according to a press release.

The five-year agreement, signed on June 25, 2024, at Naval Headquarters, is aligned with AIUB's Academic Staregic Plan-2033, aimed at contributing to the vision of making Bangladesh a knowledge hub through quality education, research and innovation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Ashraful Hoq Chowdhury, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndu, afwc, psc, Assistant Chief of Naval (Personnel) of the Bangladesh Navy, and Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor of AIUB, the press release said.

Dr. A B M Siddique Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of AIUB, Group Captain (Retd) Dr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Registrar of AIUB and relevant directors of Bangladesh Navy were also present at the event.

Director of Naval Education Captain M Shamsuzzaman Bhuiyan represented the Bangladesh Navy, while Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman signed on behalf of AIUB.

This MoU signifies a new chapter of cooperation in higher education, reinforcing the commitment of AIUB and the Bangladesh Navy to serve the nation through collaborative efforts.

In his speech, Rear Admiral Ashraful Hoq Chowdhury emphasized the navy's commitment to national development, quality education and indigenous capacity building.

He highlighted the unique strength and environment of AIUB and expressed optimism about the new horizons this MoU will open. He also stated that AIUB and the Navy will work together as partners, shoulder to shoulder.

Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor of AIUB, highlighted the significance of this MoU as the first of its kind between AIUB and a defense organisation. He outlined the areas of collaboration, including education, research, conferences, R&D, and policy development.

Prof. Rahman also extended an invitation to navy officials to visit AIUB's permanent campus.

The press release says the MoU offers special benefits for active service members and their families in AIUB's regular programmes.

AIUB will support the Bangladesh Navy by providing professionally qualified employees to deliver lectures, participate in seminars, webinars, and training sessions, and contribute to workshops organised by the navy.

Additionally, both institutions will work together on the development and implementation of academic courses, programmes, and projects, sharing expertise and resources.

The Bangladesh Navy will assist in preparing case studies, complex engineering problems based on its operational needs, facilitating indigenous capacity building. This cooperation will enrich the educational experience for students and enhance the professional development of Navy personnel.​

 

[Saif]

নৌবাহিনীর বহরে যুক্ত হলো যুদ্ধজাহাজ বানৌজা বিষখালী (A naval ship named Biskhali has been added to the fleet. This ship was built in Khulna Shipyard of Bangladesh navy)

​

 

[Saif]

One more video on this.

 

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীর নিজস্ব সক্ষমতায় তৈরি বানৌজা বিশখালী (BNS Biskhali will play a significant role in protecting fisheries, commercial vessels, and the largest mangrove forest--Sundarbans of Khulna. This patrol craft is constructed by Khulna Shipyard.)

 

[Saif]

নবীন নাবিকদের শিক্ষা সমাপনী কুচকাওয়াজ অনুষ্ঠিত

 

[Saif]

শের-ই-বাংলায় নৌবাহিনীর বি /২০২৪ ব্যাচের নবীন নাবিকের শিক্ষা সমাপনী কুচকাওয়াজ অনুষ্ঠিত

বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীর বি/২০২৪ ব্যাচের নবীন নাবিকের নবীন নাবিকের শিক্ষা সমাপনী আজ রবিবার (০১-12-২০২৪) পটুয়াখালীর বানৌজা শের-ই-বাংলা প্যারেড গ্রাউন্ডে অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছে।

www.dailyjanakantha.com

শের-ই-বাংলায় নৌবাহিনীর বি /২০২৪ ব্যাচের নবীন নাবিকের শিক্ষা সমাপনী কুচকাওয়াজ অনুষ্ঠিত
নিজস্ব সংবাদদাতা, কলাপাড়া, পটুয়াখালী
প্রকাশিত: ১১:৩৫, ১ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৪; আপডেট: ১১:৩৬, ১ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৪

বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীর বি/২০২৪ ব্যাচের নবীন নাবিকের নবীন নাবিকের শিক্ষা সমাপনী আজ রবিবার (০১-12-২০২৪) পটুয়াখালীর বানৌজা শের-ই-বাংলা প্যারেড গ্রাউন্ডে অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছে।

নৌবাহিনী প্রধান এডমিরাল এম নাজমুল হাসান বলেন, বাংলাদেশের উত্তরোত্তর উন্নয়নে ও সমৃদ্ধির লক্ষ্যে নৌবাহিনীকে যুগোপযোগী এবং প্রযুক্তি সম্পন্ন নৌবাহিনী হিসেবে গড়ে তোলা হচ্ছে যা দেশের সার্বভৌমত্ব ও নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করার পাশাপাশি সমুদ্রভিত্তিক অর্থনৈতিক কর্মকাণ্ডে অগ্রণী ভূমিকা রাখতে সক্ষম হবে। একটি সক্ষম ও শক্তিশালী নৌবাহিনী গড়ে তোলার লক্ষ্যে ইতোমধ্যে নৌবহরে উল্লেখযোগ্য সংখ্যক আধুনিক যুদ্ধজাহাজ, স্পেশাল ফোর্স, হেলিকপ্টার, এমপিএ ও সাবমেরিন যুক্ত হয়েছে এবং কমিশনিং করা হয়েছে একাধিক নৌ ঘাঁটি। সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির ধারাবাহিকতায় বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনী আজ একটি আধুনিক ত্রিমাত্রিক নৌবাহিনী। এছাড়াও ত্রিমাত্রিক নৌবাহিনীর সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির লক্ষ্যে নতুন নতুন ঘাঁটি, উন্নততর জাহাজ, আধুনিক যুদ্ধ সরঞ্জাম ও প্রযুক্তি সংযোজনের কার্যক্রম চলমান রয়েছে। নৌবাহিনীর দক্ষ ব্যবস্থাপনায় শিপইয়ার্ডসমূহ নিজস্ব প্রযুক্তিতে জাহাজ নির্মাণ করছে। এরইধারাবাহিকতায় খুলনা শিপইয়ার্ডে নির্মিত পাঁচটি প্যাট্রোল ক্রাফট ইতোমধ্যে নৌবহরে সংযুক্ত হয়েছে। নৌবাহিনীতে ২টি Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ও ৩টি Landing Craft Tank (LCT) সংযোজনের কার্যক্রম প্রক্রিয়াধীন রয়েছে এবং ২টি Utility Helicopter অতি শীঘ্রই বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীতে যুক্ত হবে বলে নৌবাহিনী প্রধান আশা প্রকাশ করেন।

পটুয়াখালী'র কলাপাড়া উপজেলার লালুয়ায় বানৌজা শের-ই-বাংলা প্যারেড গ্রাউন্ডে রবিবার অনুষ্ঠিত মনোমুগ্ধকর কুচকাওয়াজে নৌবাহিনী প্রধান এডমিরাল এম নাজমুল হাসান প্রধান অতিথি হিসেবে উপস্থিত থেকে প্যারেড পরিদর্শন ও সালাম গ্রহণ করেন। নৌবাহিনীর বি/২০২৪ ব্যাচের ৪৪০ জন নবীন নাবিকের বুটক্যাম্প প্রশিক্ষণ বর্ণাঢ্য শিক্ষা সমাপনী কুচকাওয়াজের মধ্য দিয়ে সমাপ্ত হয়।

এ অনুষ্ঠানে নৌবাহিনীর বি/২০২৪ ব্যাচের নবীন নাবিকদের মধ্যে মো. এ কে এম শাহাদাত হোসেন সাদী পেশাগত ও সকল বিষয় সর্বোচ্চ ফল অর্জন করে সেরা চৌকস নাবিক হিসেবে 'নৌপ্রধান পদক', মো. শাহীনুর আলম শিমুল দ্বিতীয় স্থান অধিকার করে 'কমখুল পদক' এবং সাব্বির রহমান তৃতীয় স্থান অধিকার করে 'শের-ই-বাংলা পদক' অর্জন করেন। তাদের মাঝে নৌবাহিনী প্রধান পুরস্কার বিতরণ করেন।

নৌবাহিনী প্রধান নবীন নাবিকদের উদ্দেশ্যে তার ভাষণে, স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধে অংশগ্রহণকারী সকল অকুতোভয় বীর মুক্তিযোদ্ধা ও নৌ কমান্ডোদের সর্বোচ্চ আত্মত্যাগের কথা কৃতজ্ঞচিত্তে স্মরণ করেন। সেই সাথে স্মরণ করেন জুলাই-আগস্টে বৈষম্যবিরোধী আন্দোলনে শাহাদাত বরণকারী সকল শহিদকে।

বাহিনী প্রধান এডমিরাল এম নাজমুল হাসান বলেন, বর্তমান বিশ্বের চ্যালেঞ্জ মোকাবিলায় একটি যুগোপযোগী নৌবাহিনী গড়ে তোলার জন্য প্রয়োজন চৌকশ ও প্রশিক্ষিত নাবিক। নৌবাহিনীর উন্নয়নের অগ্রযাত্রাকে অব্যাহত রাখতে নৌবাহিনী প্রধান নবীন নাবিক প্রশিক্ষণ বিদ্যালয় থেকে অর্জিত জ্ঞান যথাযথভাবে কাজে লাগিয়ে নিজেদের যোগ্য নাবিক হিসেবে গড়ে তোলার এবং জাতীয় নিরাপত্তা ও অগ্রগতির পথে সঠিকভাবে দায়িত্ব পালনের আহবান জানান। পেশা হিসেবে দেশ সেবা ও দেশ গড়ার পবিত্র দায়িত্বকে বেছে নেওয়ায় নৌবাহিনী প্রধান নবীন নাবিকদেরকে আন্তরিক ধন্যবাদ জানান। সেইসাথে আজকের নবীন নাবিকরা ভবিষ্যতে বাংলাদেশের সুবিশাল সমুদ্রসীমা রক্ষার পাশাপাশি নতুন বাংলাদেশ গঠনে অগ্রণী ভূমিকা পালন করবে বলে নৌবাহিনী প্রধান আশাবাদ ব্যক্ত করেন।

মনোজ্ঞ এ কুচকাওয়াজ অনুষ্ঠানে নৌবাহিনী সদর দপ্তরের পিএসওগণ, উচ্চপদস্থ সামরিক ও অসামরিক কর্মকর্তাবৃন্দ, পটুয়াখালী, বরিশাল ও খুলনা অঞ্চলের গণ্যমান্য ব্যক্তিবর্গ এবং নবীন নাবিকদের অভিভাবকগণ উপস্থিত ছিলেন।​

 

[Bilal9]

বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীর নিজস্ব সক্ষমতায় তৈরি বানৌজা বিশখালী (BNS Biskhali will play a significant role in protecting fisheries, commercial vessels, and the largest mangrove forest--Sundarbans of Khulna. This patrol craft is constructed by Khulna Shipyard.)

This is the third or fourth of a batch of five LPCs being built for BN. The armament is quite good, with automated 30 mm Smash Gun, from Aselsan Turkey etc. and these are larger than the Padma class, displacing 350 tons as memory serves.

https://www.khulnashipyard.gov.bd/5-x-patrol-craft2-bn/

These LPCs are similar (in hull detail and displacement) to a batch of two Coast Guard IPVs (which were built at DEWBN in 2022) which naturally should not be as heavily armed as their BN counterparts (but they are!).

Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited Bangladesh

www.dewbn.gov.bd

 

[Saif]

This is the third or fourth of a batch of five LPCs being built for BN. The armament is quite good, with automated 30 mm Smash Gun, from Aselsan Turkey etc. and these are larger than the Padma class, displacing 350 tons as memory serves.

https://www.khulnashipyard.gov.bd/5-x-patrol-craft2-bn/

These LPCs are similar (in hull detail and displacement) to a batch of two Coast Guard IPVs (which were built at DEWBN in 2022) which naturally should not be as heavily armed as their BN counterparts (but they are!).

Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited Bangladesh

www.dewbn.gov.bd

I heard that Bangladesh navy is contemplating inducting patrol crafts with a displacement of more than 500 tons. Because of green house effect the Bay of Bengal is getting rough. So, the navy thinks ships with larger displacements are needed to cope with the climate change. By the by, BNS Biskhali is not an LPC but a PC. LPCs have larger displacements.

 

[Bilal9]

I heard that Bangladesh navy is contemplating inducting patrol crafts with a displacement of more than 500 tons. Because of green house effect the Bay of Bengal is getting rough. So, the navy thinks ships with larger displacements are needed to cope with the climate change. By the by, BNS Biskhali is not an LPC but a PC. LPCs have larger displacements.

You are quite correct.

Anything under 500 tons displacement (typically 200~350 tons) should limit activity to within a mile or two of Bangladesh coastal areas.

These are called Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs). I am sure you know about these.

The minimum displacement that should be allowed to go into patrolling into the open ocean should be the size of Durjoy class (650 tons). They had plans to build more at Khulna Shipyard. maybe got stalled, who knows.

BN might be looking at alternate even larger patrol craft designs. Coast Guard patrol crafts are called Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and are way less equipped i.e. no missiles or torpedos.

Malaysia's equivalent LPCs (like Durjoy class) are called Keris class and they have (or will have) 18 of them when done. We only have four for a similar (or larger) patrolled area.

 

[Saif]

Commissioning ceremony of indigenous made Padma Class Batch-II patrol Boat for Bangladesh Navy।​

 

[Bilal9]

Commissioning ceremony of indigenous made Padma Class Batch-II patrol Boat for Bangladesh Navy।​

It has been marine tradition for eons to break a bottle in the bow of a new ship by women for good luck.

I guess BN does not follow that tradition.

 

[Saif]

It has been marine tradition for eons to break a bottle in the bow of a new ship by women for good luck.

I guess BN does not follow that tradition.

It's a Western tradition.............not for Bangladesh navy to follow.

 

[Saif]

আধুনিক প্রযুক্তির ছোঁয়ায় নতুন যুদ্ধ জাহাজে আরো সুসজ্জিত নৌবাহিনী

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Navy’s operation to protect fisheries resources concludes: ISPR

The Bangladesh Navy's "Special Combing Operation-2025," under the "In Aid to Civil Power" initiative, aimed at protecting the country's fisheries resources and biodiversity, concluded on Friday. The operation, which began on January 12, was carried out in four phases, in coordination with law enfo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh Navy’s operation to protect fisheries resources concludes: ISPR
UNB
Published :
Mar 01, 2025 20:25
Updated :
Mar 01, 2025 20:25

The Bangladesh Navy's "Special Combing Operation-2025," under the "In Aid to Civil Power" initiative, aimed at protecting the country's fisheries resources and biodiversity, concluded on Friday.

The operation, which began on January 12, was carried out in four phases, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

The Navy conducted special combing operations across 16 districts, including Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Barisal, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, and Munshiganj.

The operation involved 12 ship bases of the Bangladesh Navy and numerous boats. A total of 303 operations were conducted in four phases: January 12-19, January 25-31, February 9-15, and February 21-28, 2025, the release mentioned.

Illegal nets and jatkas worth more than Tk 132 crore were seized during the operation.

Fishing nets were burned and destroyed in the presence of local authorities, while jatka fish were donated to local orphanages.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns were held in surrounding areas to discourage the use of illegal fishing nets and promote legal fish harvesting, the release added.

The Bangladesh Navy has been conducting special operations in coastal districts since 2021 to protect jatka, and currently, seven ship bases are deployed in nine districts to prevent jatka fishing.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh navy has put BNS Samadru Avizan on display for the public on the Independence Day of Bangladesh.

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh navy has put BNS Samadru Avizan on display for the public on the Independence Day of Bangladesh.

BNS Somudra Avijan is a training ship (frigate) and is probably the highest displacement ship ( 3250 Tonnes ) in Bangladesh Navy.

It is ideal for having spaces to mount VLS tubes. Don't know if that will ever be done, being how old it is.

 

[Saif]

BNS Somudra Avijan is a training ship (frigate) and is probably the highest displacement ship ( 3250 Tonnes ) in Bangladesh Navy.

It is ideal for having spaces to mount VLS tubes. Don't know if that will ever be done, being how old it is.

This particular ship belonged to USCG. I don't think BN has any plan to arm this ship with missiles. In my humble opinion, BN should buy Type 23 Duke class frigates from Royal navy. Type 23 frigates will be decommissioned by the Royal navy soon. BN can buy a few of these frigates at scrap price.

 

[Bilal9]

This particular ship belonged to USCG. I don't think BN has any plan to arm this ship with missiles. In my humble opinion, BN should buy Type 23 Duke class frigates from Royal navy. Type 23 frigates will be decommissioned by the Royal navy soon. BN can buy a few of these frigates at scrap price.

My thoughts exactly, I thought about this even a couple of years ago when they were planning replacements for the Duke Class...excellent choice (especially these having Anti-air VLS tubes)! I see in Wiki they have four ready for disposal already, HMS Monmouth, Montrose, Westminster and Northumberland.

The only problem is we have to become dependent on Harpoons if we keep the existing fitment. However there is an excellent alternative - Turkish Atmaca which we may soon be using and standardizing on for both Naval and Army use. Turkey and Bangladesh Signed 6th Cooperation Agreement | TURDEF

@LegionnairE brother - could Atmaca be a great replacement for Harpoons? Meaning could the missiles fit into existing Harpoon launch tubes?

 

[Bilal9]

@Saif bhai, I feel that our existing Durjoy class LPCs essentially have no teeth. Equipped with ineffective missiles like the C704 (only 35 KM range).

When Azmat Class FACs in Pakistan are equipped with Harbah cruise missiles with 290 KM range. Here is one of the Azmat class vessels (PNS Himmat) firing a Harbah missile (courtesy Quwa.org).

We should equip our existing and future Durjoy class (roughly same size as Azmat class) with that missile (two Durjoy class were already built at Khulna Shipyard and I believe there were further plans to build another four).

I am sure Pakistan will transfer the Harbah missile technology to Bangladesh too as they did to Qatar. @PakistanProud bhai your thoughts on the matter.

290 KM range of Harbah is just shy of MTCR limits of 300 KM.

 

[Saif]

My thoughts exactly, I thought about this even a couple of years ago when they were planning replacements for the Duke Class...excellent choice (especially these having Anti-air VLS tubes)! I see in Wiki they have four ready for disposal already, HMS Monmouth, Montrose, Westminster and Northumberland.

View attachment 16015

View attachment 16016

The only problem is we have to become dependent on Harpoons if we keep the existing fitment. However there is an excellent alternative - Turkish Atmaca which we may soon be using and standardizing on for both Naval and Army use. Turkey and Bangladesh Signed 6th Cooperation Agreement | TURDEF

@LegionnairE brother - could Atmaca be a great replacement for Harpoons? Meaning could the missiles fit into existing Harpoon launch tubes?

View attachment 16017

Bangladesh navy should procure the four available Duke Class frigates at the soonest. Duke Class will give us the capabilities to protect our EEZ from IN's Nilgiri class frigates. We should not buy 2nd hand Chinese frigates because they lack the capabilities to match IN's Nilgiri and Talwar class frigates. By the by, don't worry about Harpoon because we can replace it with Chinese CM-302. Replacing missile tubes is no big deal. Hope you agree with me.

 

[Bilal9]

Hope you agree with me.

Yes of course. Agreed. By the way - Eid Mubarak in advance to you and your family. Have a splendid Eid!

 

[Saif]

Yes of course. Agreed. By the way - Eid Mubarak in advance to you and your family. Have a splendid Eid!

Eid Mubarak to you too, Bilal bhai

 

[Saif]

A frigate of Bangladesh Navy is returning from Bay of Bengal after completing a naval exercise.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh navy has cancelled an agreement with India to construct an Ocean going Tug boat. The deal valued $21 million.

Bangladesh cancels $21 million deal with Indian shipbuilding firm: Reports

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed the contract with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh cancels $21 million deal with Indian shipbuilding firm: Reports

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed the contract with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power

Bangladesh has cancelled a $21 million deal with a Kolkata-based state-run shipbuilding firm of India for the construction of an advanced ocean-going tugboat, according to Indian media reports.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed a contract for a tugboat with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power.

It says the contract was signed as India and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen defence cooperation with a long-term perspective during Hasina's visit to India in June 2024.

In a filing to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited on Wednesday (21 May), GRSE said, "...In terms of Regulation 30 and other applicable provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended (the 'SEBI Listing Regulations'), we wish to inform you that the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has cancelled the order."

Several Indian media outlets, including Times of India, published stories on the matter quoting the stock market filing.

BBC Bangla also quoted GRSE's letter in its report on the matter.

The deal with the GRSE for an 800-tonne ocean-going tugboat was the first major contract under India's $500 million line of credit for defence purchases, the Hindustan Times report further reads.

The media also referred to "strained relations" between the two sides and India restricting imports of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports.

Meanwhile, the Times of India called it a "nose-dive in bilateral ties."

According to a BBC Bangla report, the stock prices of GRSE were hit hard yesterday (22 May) morning as the news of the deal cancellation was made public. The company later recovered from the initial plunging.

The Bangladesh Navy or the Ministry of Defence has not made any statement yet regarding why the order was cancelled.

A high-ranking source in the Bangladesh government, seeking anonymity, told BBC Bangla that they have also learned about the order cancellation but could not say why or when this decision was taken.

The Indian company has also not provided any information regarding why Bangladesh cancelled the order.​

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh navy has cancelled an agreement with India to construct an Ocean going Tug boat. The deal valued $21 million.

Bangladesh cancels $21 million deal with Indian shipbuilding firm: Reports

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed the contract with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh cancels $21 million deal with Indian shipbuilding firm: Reports

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed the contract with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power

Bangladesh has cancelled a $21 million deal with a Kolkata-based state-run shipbuilding firm of India for the construction of an advanced ocean-going tugboat, according to Indian media reports.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed a contract for a tugboat with the Bangladesh Navy in July 2024, a month before a mass uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina from power.

It says the contract was signed as India and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen defence cooperation with a long-term perspective during Hasina's visit to India in June 2024.

In a filing to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited on Wednesday (21 May), GRSE said, "...In terms of Regulation 30 and other applicable provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended (the 'SEBI Listing Regulations'), we wish to inform you that the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has cancelled the order."

Several Indian media outlets, including Times of India, published stories on the matter quoting the stock market filing.

BBC Bangla also quoted GRSE's letter in its report on the matter.

The deal with the GRSE for an 800-tonne ocean-going tugboat was the first major contract under India's $500 million line of credit for defence purchases, the Hindustan Times report further reads.

The media also referred to "strained relations" between the two sides and India restricting imports of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports.

Meanwhile, the Times of India called it a "nose-dive in bilateral ties."

According to a BBC Bangla report, the stock prices of GRSE were hit hard yesterday (22 May) morning as the news of the deal cancellation was made public. The company later recovered from the initial plunging.

The Bangladesh Navy or the Ministry of Defence has not made any statement yet regarding why the order was cancelled.

A high-ranking source in the Bangladesh government, seeking anonymity, told BBC Bangla that they have also learned about the order cancellation but could not say why or when this decision was taken.

The Indian company has also not provided any information regarding why Bangladesh cancelled the order.​

It was only a matter of time.

We in Bangladesh make far more modern tugs with planetary and ASD drives at various naval and private yards, as witnessed even decades ago. This contract was Hasina's "gift" to India, for reasons beyond comprehension.

Here are some recently built at KSY recently.

These were for the submarine base I believe with Azimuth Stern Drives (ASD)

These were for the Bangladesh Coast Guard

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh cancels defence contract with Indian shipbuilder

Bangladesh has reportedly cancelled a defence contract worth $21 million with an Indian public sector shipbuilder, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The GRSE, which operates under India’s Ministry of Defence, formally notified the matter to the local stock exchange on Wednesd

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh cancels defence contract with Indian shipbuilder
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 23, 2025 17:28
Updated :
May 23, 2025 17:28

Bangladesh has reportedly cancelled a defence contract worth $21 million with an Indian public sector shipbuilder, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE).

The GRSE, which operates under India’s Ministry of Defence, formally notified the matter to the local stock exchange on Wednesday.

“We wish to inform you that the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has cancelled the order,” the company wrote.

Indian news portals said the cancelled deal was signed to construct an advanced ocean-going tug for Bangladesh, a specialised vessel intended for long-distance towing and salvage operations in open seas.

“The cancellation is widely seen as a retaliatory response to India’s recent decision to revoke transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi cargo exports to third countries,” India Today wrote in a report.

​

 

[Saif]

As the chief guest, the chief of army staff General Waker Uz Zaman has urged the newly recruited naval officers to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and patriotism. The General also reminded the new recruits that they are responsible for the protection of the country's vital Sea Lanes Of Communication.